The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Math Department of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) have forged a partnership that has led to the creation of a sophisticated algorithm to detect fake or ghost sale receipts with remarkable accuracy.
BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. emphasized that this collaboration represents a significant advancement in the fight against ghost receipts and tax fraud by leveraging mathematics and data analytics.
"The BIR is grateful for the algorithm developed by the talented students of Ateneo de Manila University's Math Department. This tool empowers us to identify ghost receipts using advanced mathematics and data analytics," Lumagui said.
He added, "the he prevalence of ghost receipts in the country's economy has been alarming due to insufficient detection and enforcement over the past decades."
Following an initial raid on a condominium unit in Quezon City where a ghost receipts syndicate operated, the BIR has been rigorously auditing and filing criminal cases against those involved in the sale and use of counterfeit sales receipts.
Lumagui pointed out that the accord with Ateneo allows the BIR to continue its Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) program without needing further raids, as the newly developed algorithm can effectively detect the likelihood of ghost receipts.
The BIR has also committed to adhering to all laws and regulations protecting the confidentiality and privacy of taxpayers and their data in its partnership with Ateneo.